Effect of dates (Phoenix dactylifera) supplement on puberty in heifers and association with follicle stimulating hormone receptor gene genotypes.

摘要

Groups of 5 month old heifers were fed a diet with (n=10) or without 20% (n=5 controls) date (Phoenix dactylifera) supplement daily for ~10 months. Blood was taken at day 1 and genotypes/polymorphisms in follicle stimulating hormone receptor gene (FSHR) determined by PCR/electrophoresis. The heifers were monitored for puberty in presence of bulls for ~10 months. In heifers given date supplement, we recorded puberty at 7.8+1.5 months, but in non-supplement controls at 11.4+1.2 months (P < 0.008). Genotypes TT and GG at SNP rs43676359 and rs517582376 sites were investigated. In heifers given date supplement genotype/polymorphism AT was associated with early puberty.